Bond - 'Shaken Not Stirred'

Glenn Roeder looks ready to make his first summer signing for Newcastle United - Kevin Bond.

Roeder has been working to put together his backroom staff for next season and has identified Portsmouth assistant manager Bond as the man he wants as his head coach.

Roeder worked with 48-year-old Bond at West Ham United, with the former England B international working as a scout at Upton Park during Roeder's tenure.

Bond initially followed Harry Redknapp to Portsmouth as first team coach and reserve team manager at Fratton Park but became Redknapp's number two at Southampton, only to controversially return to Pompey with him last season.

This obviously asks questions about Tommy Craig, who was expected to step up to assistant manager, and would have led the team out at Cardiff had Newcastle reached the FA Cup final because Roeder did not have the FA badges.

Craig became a notable presence on United's bench during Roeder's time as caretaker manager. Although Alan Shearer was given the role of assisting Roeder, it was notable how much input Craig seemed to have from the touchline.